It was a crystal clear day with an almost cloudless sky. Our group of about a dozen of us wound around through turns and warehouses in the Meadowlands making our way to the boat launch at Laurel Hill Park on the Hackensack River. Our church "senior group" enrichment outing on the environment through the Hackensack Riverkeeper Eco-Cruises turned into an exciting photo op for me. With my new digital camera in hand and no worry of how many pictures left to snap, I found myself hanging over the edge of the specially–rigged Edward Abby angling to capture the perfect and most winning National Geographic shot possible for this novice want to be photographer.
The brilliancy of the day enticed the fowl which were in abundance and created blue/black glass across the expansive river. One could momentarily pretend how Katherine Hepburn must have felt aboard The African Queen. As least we didn't have to wear nets on our heads. In spite of feeling alive and adventurous on our ride through Mill Creek and the Saw Mill Creek Water Management Area, and other marshes and coves, it was the massive and magnificent draw bridge that struck a chord. It was beyond description. My shot may not rank in the Ansel Adams category, but, for some unknown and less understood reason, it moved my soul. It isn't usually the rock solid strength of iron and concrete that draw me, but with laughing gulls nested on nearby pilings it was one of the most interesting views I've seen in a while.
When we docked after our cruise of over two hours, we all felt invigorated. No, we didn’t come across Jimmy Hoffa. But, with the Continental Arena and Giants Stadium on one bank and the Empire State Building just five miles in the distance on the other, we witnessed serene beauty, awesome majesty, and brilliant views. Thanks to the Hackensack Riverkeeper, views that previously had been hidden by sewage, trash, and pollutants have been restored to their natural brilliancy and wonder.
The captain of our boat, Bill Sheehan, proved to be a walking encyclopedia on the restoration of the once muddy and putrid waters of the Hackensack River that empties into Raritan Bay.
It’s amazing what challenges an afternoon cruise on the Hackensack River can incite. Made me ponder how my life would be if I cleaned up my own environmental estuary.
Until next time, Top Blonde Taking The Day...Jennifer
